2024 Kentucky Derby Contenders

2024 Kentucky Derby Contenders

Updated: 2/27/2024

Here my latest look at the list of top contenders for the 2024 Kentucky Derby to be run on May 7th at Churchill Downs. The big points-scoring races are just getting started, so expect to see a lot of changes over the next few weeks.
Note that any horses currently trained by Bob Baffert are excluded since he is still banned from the Derby.

Entries for the Kentucky Derby will close and post positions will be drawn on Monday April 29.

Below is a list of top contenders with their trainer, jockey, and dosage index. The Experimental Free Handicap was discontinued a few years ago, so there are no more dual qualifiers. Each horse names links to a profile with lots of info and a photo. Jockey assignments are based on who has been riding each horse and will change as jockeys make commitments now. The early Triple Crown nominations, which cost $600, closed in January with 346 horses and late nominations, which cost $6000, closed the end of March with seven more horses. That is the last chance to be eligible without a high supplement fee, but with rule changes a couple of years ago, 2024 late supplements will have the same priority as the nominees if anyone wants to pay the $200,000 fee.

Triple Crown quick links:

• Kentucky Derby Winners and Auction Prices – Bigger may seem better, but in the case of Kentucky Derby horses who sold at auction, less is more. Here is a look at how (badly) high priced auction purchases have done in the Kentucky Derby and the auction prices for this year’s top Derby horses.
• Derby Weather Forecasts – up to 15 days in advance
• Kentucky Derby Points List – this is what determines which horses can get in the Kentucky Derby field.
• 2024 Road to the Kentucky Derby – All the point earning races on the Triple Crown Trail leading up to the Kentucky Derby with results and winners updated as they are run.
  
• Kentucky Derby Tickets – See what is for sale on Ebay. Includes tickets and parking.
• 2024 Kentucky Derby And Oaks Security – New enhanced stricter rules with no onsite parking were enforced in 2018, and are in effect again this year. Be sure to read the rules if you are attending. There will still be magnetic wand searches of all patrons and many things are no longer allowed. Check here to make sure you don’t bring anything they will confiscate.
• Kentucky Derby Future Wager – This year there are 6 pools starting in November of 2023 plus a single pool for the Oaks.
  • Pool 1 – October 31-November 2
  • Pool 2 – November 23-26
  • Pool 3 – January 19-21
  • Pool 4 – February 16-18
  • Pool 5 – March 15-17 (includes Oaks)
  • Pool 6 – April 4-6
• Kentucky Derby Prep Races – What races should a horse prep in to win the Kentucky Derby? Some races may seem obvious, but have not produced a Derby winner in many years. Find out which races are the best preps here.
• Derby prep race charts – free from DRF
• Kentucky Derby Traditions – Find out all about the big Derby Traditions: the rose garland, the trophy, the Twin Spires, mint juleps, singing “My Old Kentucy Home”, fancy hats, celebrities and the annual Derby glasses.
• Fillies in the Kentucky Derby – a look at the 39 fillies who have contested the Run for the Roses and how they did. So far there have been 3 wins, 2 seconds, and 5 thirds.
• Kentucky Derby official site – lots of good info and the latest news here
• Louisville Courier Journal coverage – one of your best news sources for the Derby
• Blood Horse Triple Crown Mania – lots of good info here
• DRF Kentucky Derby Special – Lots of good info like past winners preps, contenders, past performances, and latest news.
• Review: Kentucky Derby Greatest Moments – Commemorative DVD from Churchill Downs with video from 27 different runnings along with interviews, photos, and historical info. Definitely recommended for any racing fan!
• Review: Churchill Downs – America’s Most Historic Racetrack by Kimberly Gatto. An entertaining and informative account of the history of the track and it’s most famous race, the Kentucky Derby, with lots of photos. Definitely recommended.
• Review: Kentucky Derby Glasses Price Guide – A Comprehensive Guide to Collecting Kentucky Derby Mint Julep Glasses and Shot Glasses edited by Judy Marchman
• Triple Crown Trivia Quiz – test your knowledge of the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont and compete with others.
• Buy advance tickets for the Derby and Oaks – from Churchill Downs and save $5 over the gate price on general admission
• Kentucky Derby Tickets on Ebay
• Triple Crown Trivia Quiz – test your knowledge of the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont and compete with others.
• Send this page to a friend – know someone who would like to see this page? Click here to send them the link.

Get a head start on handicapping the Kentucky Derby here:

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